Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

“Steelheart,” by prolific fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, is the first book in a sci-fi series for the YA crowd that will excite comic book fans.

They called it Calamity: A burst in the sky that gave regular people superhuman powers. These beings with extraordinary abilities were called Epics. At age eight, David watched his father die at the hands of Steelheart, an Epic many believe to be invincible. But David saw Steelheart bleed. Now, ten years later, David wants to join the Reckoners–a resistance group that assassinates Epics. Only with their help can he hope to take down Steelheart and end his tyrannical rule of what used to be Chicago.

Sanderson is an unequaled force when it comes to world building. This “Epic” universe he created is fully realized. It’s like he found a portal to this alternate timeline and studied it like an anthropologist. I was in awe of all of the little details that he put into the world.

“Steelheart” is a thrilling read with tight writing and some incredible twists that made me want to reread the book immediately. I encourage readers who like action and comic book fans to try it when it comes out in September. Bring on the sequel!